Barnaby Kay's life began within a family deeply rooted in the world of theatre. His younger brother, Adam, also pursued a career in the entertainment industry, while their grandfather, Arthur Kay, who sadly passed away in 1970, was a prominent figure in community theatre in Northumbria. Tragedy struck when Barnaby's father, the actor Richard Kay, lost his life in a road accident in 1985, before he could witness his son follow in his footsteps.
Despite this setback, Barnaby's talent and dedication propelled him towards a career in the performing arts. He attended drama school, but his studies were cut short when his father's agent secured him an audition with the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company following his father's funeral. Barnaby's impressive performance earned him a spot with the company, marking his debut in the play "A Jovial Crew" and paving the way for future collaborations.
Since then, Barnaby has worked extensively across various mediums, including television, where he has appeared in notable roles in "Holby City", "Midsomer Murders", and "New Tricks".